The Royal British Legion’s 2026 Poppy Appeal has officially launched in Sunderland, encouraging residents to show their support and honour those who have served and sacrificed for their country.
The campaign was launched by the Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Robert Hutchinson, who marked the occasion by purchasing the city’s first poppy.
Every autumn members of the Royal British Legion visit the Mayor's Parlour at City Hall in a civic tradition to launch the annual campaign and celebrate Sunderland’s ongoing support for the appeal.
This year Mayor of Sunderland Councillor Robert Hutchinson was joined by President of the Royal British Legion Sunderland Mark Walker, Branch Chair Steven Foster, and Poppy Appeal Manager for the Sunderland Area Lisa Tempest-Hall, as well as branch Standard Bearer Zachary Walker.
During the visit Cllr Hutchinson purchased the first poppy ahead of them going on sale to the public on 23 October.
Money raised from poppies sold in Sunderland goes towards helping veterans, servicemen and women and their families living in the city.
Cllr Robert Hutchinson said:
"The annual Poppy Appeal gives us the opportunity to remember and honour the service and sacrifice of our armed forces while supporting veterans and military families.
"Sunderland has a long-standing connection with the military and I know residents will once again show their generosity by supporting this year's appeal.
"Every contribution makes a difference."
Poppy Appeal Manager for the Sunderland Area Lisa Tempest-Hall, said:
“When someone serves, their family serves too, facing unique challenges and sacrifices alongside their loved one. Every donation helps us support those who serve and their families, whatever the need, whenever it’s needed.”
Steven Foster, Sunderland Branch Chair of the Royal British Legion, said:
"The Poppy Appeal is the Royal British Legion's biggest fundraising campaign of the year, and we are incredibly grateful for the support it receives across Sunderland.
"The money raised helps us continue providing lifelong support to the city’s serving personnel, veterans and their families when they need it most.
"We hope residents will once again get behind the appeal, wear their poppy with pride and help us make a real difference to the Armed Forces community.
He added:
"I’d like to thank Sir John Short RAOB club in Pallion for all their support with this year’s poppy appeal, including letting us use their premises, helping to store the stock and hosting our meetings.
“If anyone else would like to help, the Sunderland branch of the Royal British Legion is always looking for volunteers during the Poppy Appeal. If anyone with a bit of free time would like to help us please contact Sunderland.Chair@rbl.community or call 07704583218 if you’d like more details on how to become involved."
